ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To construct conceptual and operational definitions for the defining characteristics (DCs) and related factors (RFs) of the nursing diagnosis (ND) ineffective health management for people with chronic heart failure. METHOD: Conceptual and operational definitions for the DC and RF were based on studies found in an integrative literature review in the databases Latin American Literature in Health Sciences, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and MEDLINE by using the key words Nursing diagnosis, Heart Failure, and Patient Cooperation in different combinations. RESULTS: Conceptual and operational definitions for all the DCs and RFs were constructed. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The definitions will facilitate in the identification of ND in clinical practice in patients with heart failure, future research on ND validation, and education in undergraduate courses.
